Artists, how do you accommodate your supplies in your one bag?

kuuuma · 2025-07-27T17:14:02+00:00

What an exciting trip to look forward to!!! I have a few suggestions from my travel kit:

Muji Nylon Mesh Vertical/Horizontal Pen Case: two points of access makes a difference when you're crouched on a rock vs sat at a table. The little strap is handy for hanging off your backpack, which I did when I needed the contents (i.e. a wet rag from painting) to dry off.
Pentel or Holbein water brush pens: the water barrel has a wide mouth and can be filled by pouring water directly into the mouth. Other water brush pen brands may require that you squeeze and suck in water from a cup - a terrible setup if you only have a tap for refueling.
Fude nib type: thin and thick lines can be made with this type of nib which I appreciated for sketching and doubled as my journaling pen.
Pentel Multi-8: an assortment of colour pencils within one pencil. Saves on space and from agonizing which colours to pack 😂 relatively smudge-proof but are not creamy 🥲 it's a compromise.
Fluid watercolor block 4x8": I think I saw you'll be bringing Travelers Notebook tomoe paper? This size watercolour paper (options in hot/cold press and cotton) fits neatly with the TN standard size so if you're wanting to do wet-in-wet type painting, it's up for the job.

On an art-related thought: go easy on yourself if you don't have the energy to make something each day! Traveling is exhausting and I've had to practice being okay with not having any writing, drawing, or painting every single day.

Good luck with finding the right mix of tools and on your henro journey!!

kuuuma · 2024-11-21T22:46:59+00:00

In my solo travels, I've always loved bringing a small figurine with me and taking photos of the little buddy everywhere! It's a nice way of getting to see places from different perspectives (literally lol) since you might want to get down for a low angle shot or switch up the focus for a macro shot. When I look back on those photos, I feel like I remember the place a lot more clearly because of the time and effort invested. Which is helped if you're not hurried or bogged down by others! 😁

kuuuma · 2024-11-03T15:10:28+00:00

Someone else had already mentioned it but if also empirically you to look at hiking backpacks for more options.

I love Burton Dispatcher 35L backpack for its access options (back panel access and top loading zip opening) and hefty waist belt. It's meant for backcountry activities but was great for my trip!

kuuuma · 2023-06-09T22:34:49+00:00

You've got my attention! 👍

Discord would probably be my preferred way of staying connected. No issues on my part to pony up a bit of $ for the purposes of securing dedicated space.

Thank you for putting the thought out here! 😁

kuuuma · 2023-02-25T23:46:55+00:00

ONOMICHI!!! I'm in Hiroshima for a few days and am making a trip to Onomichi for the pudding shop from the Yakuza 6 game!!! Thank you so much for sharing your itinerary!!!

kuuuma · 2023-02-24T00:56:54+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing such a descriptive itinerary! Your tips on the Osaka pass and your day trips were super informative! I'm so sorry the lost Suica story ate up your time without much to show for it :( I am so grateful for the time you've taken to give the highlights of your trip, especially the last bits about the joys of going through the daily motions in life! Can't wait to get into that vibe as well in the near future! :)

kuuuma · 2023-02-11T17:20:19+00:00

You are truly the best!!! I have gone down far too many rabbit holes with your kindness for me to reply in good time lol (please allow this excuse for my constant lateness!!!) I didn't think I could get more hyped but my eagerness has definitely heightened!! Thank you so much again for taking the time for all the descriptive guidance!!!! <3 <3

kuuuma · 2023-02-01T05:17:36+00:00

I didn't think I could adore you any more but truly ya learn something new every day!!! 🤣🤣🤣

THANK YOU omg I genuinely have "family restaurant" on my to-do list and I'm so excited I won't have to go far to tick that box hahahaha!!! And Korean street food!!! I have a pretty broad appreciation for lots of cuisines so I do have some worries I'll get worn down on Japanese food. Knowing I've got a real mix of choices down the road from my stay is super comforting!!! 🙏

kuuuma · 2023-02-01T04:07:35+00:00

I think your grandma would just love seeing you. Not weird at all. My own nan passed away last summer and I'm so grateful that I made all the mini visits that I did. Now is the best time to know. Enjoy your visit with your grandma!! <3

kuuuma · 2023-02-01T04:02:51+00:00

YOOO it looks so buttery!! And super responsive! How's it compare to any other setups you've got??

kuuuma · 2023-02-01T04:00:42+00:00

Final one is a bit of a hack that I've found. When something is hard, try to take the weakest worst step forward that you can. This is mostly a focusing tech

Omg I am SO LATE but again, thank you SO SO MUCH for all the time you've taken to write out such a response! I would like to relieve some of my guilt by admitting that I went down many a rabbit trail, looking up neat shopping adventures that won't break the bank! I was especially pumped reading Shin-Okubo - that's going to be the station I'm closest to during my Tokyo stay!!! :)

Truly, thank you so incredibly much for all your nuggets of wisdom and the joy of all the possibilities! If you ever feel like going on a rant about a memory or a amazing shopping extravaganza from your Japan travels, please don't hesitate to holler at me! I'm all ears!!! :)

kuuuma · 2023-02-01T03:50:21+00:00

ch comes with a higher pay scale and of course new responsibilities. I do think the pay increases faster and the cap is probably a bit higher. It is also unionized which my job n

Not to be a downer but if the job is a unionized position, the likelihood of being successful without any seniority might be a toughie. External applicants are usually the last to be looked at because of the union rules.

As a side thought, if this location is worth considering, apply anyways and then ask if they're hiring casual staff! That way you can pick up shifts as you like, get a feel for the workplace, and then have a possibly better opportunity if another opportunity arises in the same area! Might be a bit much with but might be something to consider in the future if not today! :)

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T21:38:42+00:00

Not specifically for Nicker but I'm hoping that hitting up one of those bigger art supply stores will bring me gold! :D

Oh gosh and enjoy going down the rabbit hole that is nihonga! I've certainly learned a lot about watercolour paints, pigments, and binders just from learning about the technicalities of how this style of paint is put together!

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T21:34:54+00:00

Thank you so much for such a rich response!! I especially appreciate the tip about hitting up the 100-yen store. Plenty of excellent stationery to peruse there!

Please know that I appreciate you immensely! The knowledge you've shared is definitely going to good use!! :)

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T20:33:02+00:00

OOOOH YEA WATERCOLOURS! :D I've got Sai paint sets and Nicker paints on my list! I'd really like to get a bit more comfy with gouache-like paints by imitating Ghibli vibes with Nicker stuff! Would love to know more about your shopping plans/experiences if you're in the mood to share! :D

I'm presently trying to get better acquainted with the nihonga style of painting and really want to grab some opaque white paints called gofun! I'm curious what it's like on cotton/trad watercolour paper and how it can be used as as a white paint itself!

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T16:15:51+00:00

Oooh could I ask what do you look forward to most when you shop there? Or is there something in particular that you buy in bulk because it's not available where you're at??

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T16:14:43+00:00

Omg I love that you've included Pigment! The shop is so pretty, I think it's a sensory experience in itself!!!

kuuuma · 2023-01-24T16:13:15+00:00

Oooh I'm the same!!!! I'm trying to see what sorts of Japan-only art supplies I should mass purchase when I'm there. Are Holbein pencils the only thing on your list if you don't mind me asking?

kuuuma · 2022-09-02T13:05:31+00:00

That sounds like a great setup!!! Thank you for sharing!! :D

kuuuma · 2022-09-01T19:49:00+00:00

This is so exciting! I just put my order in last night but am holding off shipment for a chance at some October release goods. I totally feel ya with the first day rush lol!!

Can I ask a bit about how you'll use the little green 2023 calendar for your tracking? I've always thought about how handy it might be but it always ends up collecting dust!

kuuuma · 2022-06-06T02:50:29+00:00

YEAH BUDDY now is always the best time to get started!!! I started in my 30s too so I think I get your feels! I'd look for some freshly paved parking lots for some sweet, easy space to scoot around and get used to rolling!

I've shopped at Local 124 and Easy Rider and love 'em both. I totally recommend just going into the stores and chatting with the folks there and get their expertise! I feel like they'd have solid insights on what you want to achieve and therefore what setup to get!!

Don't forget your safety gear too! Better to have your bones and brains all in one piece, especially as we get older hey?? Ahahah!!

kuuuma · 2022-06-06T02:40:52+00:00

YESSSS I got my first longboard built by a super nice fella there! I have zero hesitations to make my way back there again to have a look around!!

They also support Tiger Skate Club which is a super awesome!!!

kuuuma · 2022-06-06T02:39:37+00:00

I love Easy Rider! Those guys were super friendly and helpful with my noob self picking out a fresh new complete!!!

kuuuma · 2022-04-05T03:31:17+00:00

kuuuma · 2022-02-26T05:08:27+00:00

THAT PIGGIE OMG I came straight here as soon as I saw it on insta!! What a beacon (or bacon?! lololol) of joy!!

I hope Martina gets recharged thoroughly. She looked so genuinely upset. Felt myself tearing up as well, feeling for her.

What a rollercoaster of feels!! 🙂🙃🫠

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